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Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review
2018
Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2018
Published by the Australian Commerce of Commerce and Industry Level 2, 24 Brisbane Avenue, BARTON ACT 2600 P: 02 6270 8000 www.australianchamber.com.au ISBN 9780646534091
Editors
Sarah McGregor Senior Manager, Membership and Marketing sarah.mcgregor@australianchamber.com.au
Emily Kennelly Adviser, Public Affairs and Advocacy emily.kennelly@australianchamber.com.au
Zoe Callaghan Communications and Events Coordinator zoe.callaghan@australianchamber.com.au
Design
3 Degrees Marketing 3dm.com.au
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission from the Australian Chamber.
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 1
CEO’S MESSAGE 3
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NETWORK 5
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT 10
GOVERNANCE 11
OUR BOARD 13
STRATEGIC PLAN 14
YEAR IN NUMBERS 15
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY 17
ECONOMICS, INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY 18
EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 19
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER - TOURISM 20
TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 21
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION 23
WORKPLACE RELATIONS 25
SUBMISSIONS 26
BIZ BETTER TOGETHER 27
2017 EXPORT AWARDS 30
2018 BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT 31
2017 BUSINESS LEADERS ANNUAL DINNER 33
BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL EVENTS 35
THE EXTRAORDINARY IS BECOMING COMMONPLACE AND THE NEED FOR COLLECTIVE POLICY AND ADVOCACY BY THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER AND ITS MEMBERS HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.
The past year has thrown up as series of extraordinary
national political events with a major impact on the
interests of businesses represented in the Australian
Chamber network.
Government entered the year with the slimmest of
majorities, staggered through a series of by-elections,
elected a new Prime Minister, Treasurer and Cabinet.
Instability dominated the political cycle and 24/7 news
cycle and repeated businesses pleas for increased policy
certainty, sound decision making and bipartisanship
where possible, became increasingly loud.
Internationally, the Trump administration’s aggressive
stance on trade and unilateral tariff increases put
Australian fi rms at risk. Together with uncertainty over
Brexit it fuelled continuing debate over the benefi ts of
free trade and globalisation and the best way forward for
market economies.
This is echoed in the rising debate over population growth
and immigration in Australia. Our population reached
the 25 million mark and congestion in Melbourne
and Sydney led to calls to cut back on immigration,
while regional centres and rural communities remain
desperate to bring in skilled people from overseas to
do the jobs that Australians are unable or unwilling to fi ll.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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The skills shortage in our workforce is widening and
investment in vocational education and training is at
critically low levels. At the same time, job creation is
strong as baby boomers retire and the economy enters
its 27th year of growth.
Despite increasing employment, subdued wages
growth and high costs of living are feeding the unions’
campaign to “change the rules” to give them more
power, force pay rises without regard to affordability,
and take away employers’ management prerogatives.
The ACTU agenda sees little or no role for productivity
improvement or greater flexibility to allow Australian
firms to become more competitive.
Increased energy costs on business are biting hard.
Efforts to bring in a combination of short and long term
solutions to address affordability, reliability and emissions
reductions ended in a stalemate over the long term plan
represented by the National Energy Guarantee. At the
same time the new Prime Minister is pressing on with
some of the Competition and Consumer Commission’s
recommendations for shorter term price relief. We
need to see both the NEG combined with ACCC
recommendations: “NEG plus”.
The Australian Chamber secretariat has strengthened its
policy and advocacy role, with new staff appointments
and growth in industry association membership, which
boosted the very strong contributions from member
chambers and our existing industry association members.
More corporates than ever are now members of our
Business Leaders Council, boosting our network of influence and the value we offer to all of our members.
Membership growth, a better than expected trading result and prudent management reduced the operating deficit and led to the adoption of a balanced budget for 2018-19 – a year ahead of plan.
We set aside plans for national membership and partnerships to focus on policy and advocacy and to increase the Australian Chamber’s influence at the international level through the International Organisation of Employers, the OECD and the International Chamber of Commerce at the UN.
Peter Hood, former President of the Australian Chamber and currently Chair of our Trade & International Affairs Committee, retired from the Board last year and will leave the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, where he served as President, later this year. Peter was instrumental in the organisational restructuring and revenue decisions several years ago which laid the foundation for our increasing profile, influence and financial sustainability.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the work of the board and the leadership of James Pearson, our CEO, and his team who display a level of commitment and energy on behalf of business, and engagement with our members, that all of us can be proud of.
Jeremy Johnson President
“The Australian Chamber secretariat has strengthened its policy and advocacy role, with new staff appointments and growth in industry association
membership, which boosted the very strong contributions from member chambers and our existing industry association members.”
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WE GROW STRONGER AS AN ORGANISATION AS WE FACE INCREASING CHALLENGES AS A MOVEMENT.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
membership network has never enjoyed the breadth
and depth that it has today.
Over the past three and a half years, the eight state
and territory chambers of commerce and some two
dozen industry associations, have been joined by over
50 more national and state industry associations. Our
Business Leaders Council has gone from the drawing
board to a membership of around 60 medium and large
corporates. Our ranks swelled by over 20 in the past
year alone.
We ran over 60 networking events this year for our
Australian Chamber and Business Leaders Council
members to bring members and supporters together
with political and business leaders, decision makers and
influencers.
But the cause of business faces a challenge to its
legitimacy and a threat to its viability the like of which we
have not seen for generations in Australia.
In the past year, the unacceptable behaviour of banks
and insurance companies revealed by the Royal
Commission, perceptions of excessive pay for senior
executives, concerns at the impact of market dominance
in key sectors of the economy such as energy, and
CEO’S MESSAGE
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allegations of tax avoidance by multinationals have
severely damaged the reputation of big business. That
has weakened support for the business policy agenda,
although the public and politicians remain supporters of
small business and their efforts to succeed.
The most radical union agenda in generations looms
like a spectre over the forthcoming federal election.
Businesses are deeply concerned that the ACTU
campaign to “change the rules” will drive ALP workplace
relations policy backwards. A more rigid labour market
is the last thing Australia needs as we work harder than
ever to thrive in fiercely competitive and volatile markets.
Our resilience will be tested, but we can look to
our achievements this year and the increase in our
organisational capability as reasons to be confident.
We continue to build our public profile. With that comes
influence, based on the sound policies we advocate, with
the support of members. We secured an acceleration of
the tax cut for businesses with annual turnovers of up to
$50million, an extension of the instant asset write-off for
small business and saw both the small business ministry
and the workplace relations ministry returned to cabinet.
We were early advocates for a “NEG plus” ACCC
approach to address long and short term energy price
and reliability failings, while meeting emissions reduction
targets. It was adopted by the government but then,
like many other hard-won policies, became collateral
damage in the Coalition leadership spill. We continue
to argue for it, and secure wins such as the accelerated
tax cuts.
The Opposit ion endorsed our cal l to increase
apprenticeships, appointed us to its inquiry into post-
secondary education and adopted key planks of our
trade policy as their own. At our Business Leaders
Summit, Labor acknowledged the increasing quality and
frequency of dialogue between the Australian Chamber
and the Opposition.
We have recruited strong performers in key advocacy
and financial management roles and have again seen
a year of outstanding commitment and achievement by
our team.
For that, I want to thank our secretariat and our
members. The support of our President, Board, and of
our members across the country through subscriptions,
policy committee work and lobbying alongside us,
amplifies our voice. It will be vital in the year ahead.
James Pearson Chief Executive Officer
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“The most radical union agenda in generations looms like a spectre over the forthcoming federal election”
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NETWORK
THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER IS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AND MOST REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, COMPRISING STATE AND TERRITORY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND NATIONAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS. WE SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT HOME AND ABROAD.
Our Business Leaders Council provides a platform for
individual businesses to get involved in our activities.
Australian Chamber Member Boards, CEOs and staff use
their organisations’ memberships to better inform themselves
on policy matters and shape economic and social policy.
Our policies encourage productivity, employment
and growth to benefi t businesses, employees and
communities. We work with communities to improve
understanding of, and support for business; with legislators to
develop and enact policy; and with government to deliver it.
Business SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Canberra BusinessChamber
Chamber of Commece and Industry of Western Australia
NSW Business Chamber
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MEMBERS
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Accord
Australia Arab Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
Australian Federation of
Employers & Industries
Australian Hotels
Association
Australian Retailers
Association
Australian
Beverages Council
Air Conditioning & Mechanical
Contractors’ Association
Association of Financial
Advisers
Australian Dental
Association
Association of Independent
Schools of NSW
Australian Dental Industry
Association
Australian Gift & Homewares
Association
Australian Made Campaign
Limited
Australian Self
Medication Industry
Australian Mines & Metals
Association
Australian Steel
Institute
Australian Tourism
Export Council
Australian Paint Manufacturers’
Federation
Australian Recording Industry
Association
Australian Regional
Tourism
Animal MedicinesAustralia
Australian Automotive
Dealer Association
Australian Institute of Credit
Management
Australian Meat Processor
Corporation
Australian Mobile
Telecommunications Association
Australian Restructuring
Insolvency & Turnaround
Association
Australian Tourism Industry
Council
Australian Trucking
Association
Australian Chiropractors
Association
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NETWORKINDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (AS AT SEPTEMBER 2018)
Australian Roofi ng Tile
Association
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Australian Veterinary
Association
Bus Industry
Confederation
Business Council of
Co-operatives & Mutuals
Caravan Industry
Association
Cement Concrete &
Aggregates Australia
Chemistry Australia Concrete Masonry
Association of Australia
Consult Australia Council of Private Higher
Education
Cruise Lines International
Association
CPA Australia
Customer Owned Banking
Association
Direct Selling Australia Exhibition & Event
Association of Australasia
Housing Industry
Association
Franchisee Federation
Australia
Large Format Retail
Association
Live Performance Australia
Master Builders Australia Master Plumbers &
Mechanical Services
Association of Australia
Medical Technology
Association of Australia
Medicines Australia National Automotive
Leasing & Salary Packaging
Association
National Disability Services National Electrical
& Communications
Association
National Employment
Service Association
Fitness Australia
International Society of
Primerus Law Firms
National Retail AssociationNational Fire Industry
Association
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (CONT.)
Pharmacy Guild
of Australia
Outdoor Media AssociationNational Roads & Motorists
Association
NSW Hire Car Association NSW Taxi
Council
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Phonographic Performance
Company of Australia
Printing Industries
Association of Australia
Recruitment, Consulting &
Staffi ng Association
Restaurant & Catering
Australia
Screen Producers
Australia
The Tax Institute Think Brick Australia Victorian Automobile
Chamber of Commerce
AirbnbAcademies
Australasia
Allied Express
Angus Knight
American Express
Archerfi eld Capital
PartnersArgus TrueID
Australian Hearing
Cabcharge
Australian EggsArthur J. Gallagher
BRI FerrierBank of China Bendigo Bank Brown & Chase
Campbell Page CerticaCapital Hill
Advisory
Citrus Group
City Tattersalls Club
BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL MEMBERS (AS AT SEPTEMBER 2018)
Acumen Health
Commonwealth Bank Corrs Chambers
Westgarth Lawyers
Crown Resorts DXC Technology
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Sanofi
Sensis Southern Cross
Group
Sydney Airport
Telstra Thales Australia The Geo Group
SPAR Australia Star Entertainment
Group
Thorn Group
Employers MutualEftpos Australia Energy Industries
Superannuation Scheme
Heart Foundation Investec The IQ Group Global
Isentia
Intelledox Intralot Australia
IVE Group Australia Laureate International
Universities
Kingsway Australia
MasterCard
NetLinkz Pfi zer PremierState Primary Communication
Procurement
AustraliaRed Energy ResMed Samsung
JLL
Uber
Universal Business
School Sydney
Visa Vodafone
Dymocks
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NATIONAL SECRETARIAT(AS AT SEPTEMBER 2018)
The Australian Chamber’s national secretariat delivers the Chamber’s day-to-day activities on behalf of Members.
Team members are based in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Sarah McGregorSenior Manager, Membership and Marketing
Zoe CallaghanCommunications and Events Coordinator
Membership, Marketing and Events
Employment Education and Training; Tourism
Paul NicolaouDirector, Business Leaders Council, Membership and Events
Nerida PearsonExecutive Support Offi cer
Jenny LambertDirector, EmploymentEducation and Training Director, Tourism
Krithika GururajPolicy Adviser, Employment Education and TrainingPolicy Advisor, Tourism
Michelle StraightExecutive Support Offi cer
Steve HatzisAdministration Support
Stephen SchmidtCompany Secretary, Director of Corporate Services
Kathryn LeeFinancial Controller
Kaisi ChenFinance Offi cer
Corporate AffairsCEO Offi ce
James PearsonChief Execuitve Offi cer
Lee-Anne DeanExecutive Assistant to the CEO and Offi ce Manager
Jennifer Low Associate Director, Workplace Health and Safety
Workplace Health and Safety
Public Affairs and Advocacy
Duncan BremnerDirector, Public Affairs and Advocacy
Emily KennellyAdviser, Public Affairsand Advocacy
Bryan ClarkDirector, Trade and International Affairs
Tom StoboInternational Business Support Offi cer
Trade and International AffairsEconomics and Industry; Sustainability
Adam CarrDirector, Economics and Industry Policy
Magdelena KaczmarskaSenior Policy Adviser, Economic and Industry Policy
Alana MathesonDeputy Director, Workplace Relations
Dick GrozierAssociate Director, Workplace Relations
Workplace Relations
Scott BarklambDirector, Workplace Relations
Keith Black National Policy Adviser
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THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER) IS A MEMBER BASED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMPANY, WHICH IS LIMITED BY GUARANTEE WITH A BOARD OF DIRECTORS GOVERNED BY THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 (CTH) AND MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES STATE AND TERRITORY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND NATIONAL AND STATE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS.
General Council
General Council is a council of members that oversights
governance and determines policy on current issues, which
provides a mandate for advocacy on matters of importance
to the business community. It is advised by the Board, policy
committees and working parties that meet between council
meetings. Senior office-bearers and executives from the
Australian Chamber’s member organisations, the Australian
Chamber Board and senior members of staff attend General
Council. General Council usually meets three times each year,
on a national rotating basis. During the past year, General
Council met in Canberra in November 2017, Adelaide in
March 2018 and Sydney in July 2018. Australian Chamber
President, Jeremy Johnson is Chair of General Council.
Board
The Board of Directors is responsible for corporate governance,
performance monitoring and the strategic direction of the
company. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that
appropriate management structures are in place and such
structures operate efficiently and transparently. Members at
the Annual General Meeting elect Office Bearers. At the 2017
Annual General Meeting, Jeremy Johnson from the Victorian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry was elected President
and Dr Agu Kantsler, from the Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of Western Australia was elected Deputy President.
In December 2017 Dr Agu Kantsler resigned from the
Deputy President position, which was subsequently filled by
Ray Sputore from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
of Western Australia in July 2018.The Board is supported
by a number of Committees including a Board Executive
Committee, an Executive Management Group, an Audit
and Risk Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a
Service Awards Committee. These Committees operate under
Charters approved by the Board.
Board Executive Committee
The Board Executive Committee has been established
to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities by
dealing with matters of importance to the Board, which arise
between Board meetings. The Committee also monitors the
management of operational and business risks, advises the
Board on corporate governance, oversights financial activity,
and reviews the effectiveness of the external audit and internal
controls. Jeremy Johnson is Chair.
Executive Management Group
The Executive Management Group (EMG) provides support
to the Board in achieving objectives identified in the Strategic
Plan and developing a strong National Chamber movement.
The EMG consists of the CEOs of State and Territory Chambers
of Commerce and Industry. James Pearson is Chair.
Audit and Risk Committee
GOVERNANCE
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Audit and Risk Committee
The Committee ceased operating March 2018. The Board,
Board Executive Committee and Secretariat management
have subsumed its responsibilities.
Business Leaders Council
The Business Leaders Council offers a platform for individual
businesses to participate in Australian Chamber activities.
It offers a forum to network, share ideas and engage with
political and business decision makers, influencers and
regulators.
Governance Activities
Key governance documents include the Strategic Plan,
Risk Management Register, and sound Board agendas and
support materials. These documents are used by the Board
to assist decision making in regards to the oversight of
the administration and transparent financial accountability.
Underpinning systems allow the Board to play an appropriate
and central role for ethical and responsible decision-making,
and building capacity within the Australian Chamber. The
Strategic Plan was updated in February 2018 to cover the
2018-2021 period. The Risk Management Register was
restructured and now focuses on strategic issues, which are
reviewed regularly. Board meeting processes have also been
restructured to better address strategic issues, governance,
and performance management.
KPMG provides independent audit services and has verified
that the annual accounts provide a true and fair picture of our
finances and operations for the last financial year. The external
auditor makes an annual declaration of independence.
A policy of rotation of audit partners is in place. KPMG
attends the Annual General Meeting to address any member
questions.
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OUR BOARD
Jeremy Johnson
President
Terry WetherallImmediate Past President
Ray Sputore
Deputy President; President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
James Pearson
Chief Executive Offi cer
Nola Watson
President, NSW Business Chamber
Don Rankin
President, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Stephen Cartwright
CEO, NSW Business Chamber
Mark Stone AM
CEO, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Steve Knott AM
CEO, Australian Mines and Metals Association
Chris Rodwell
CEO, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
Nicolle Jenkins
Vice President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
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STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 - 2021
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND INITIATIVES THAT UNDERPIN THEM:
MOBILISING THE POWER OF MEMBERS:
• Building connections across the network
• Leveraging our collective knowledge and influence
• Designing & delivering advocacy campaigns with members
DEVELOPING EVIDENCE BASED POLICIES:
• Defining core national issues affecting business
• Prioritising and researching in consultation with members
• Leveraging the political cycle
ADVOCATING PERSUASIVELY TO GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT AND THE PUBLIC:
• Speaking for all businesses but focusing on SMEs
• Arming members and allies with messages and evidence
• Leveraging the news cycle
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL:
• Prioritising policy and advocacy
• Providing a compelling value proposition for members
• Engaging with members to resolve the financial sustainability challenge
ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY:
• Empowered people working well together
• Fit for purpose tools and processes
• Effective governance
• Measuring what matters
OUR VISION
To make Australia the best place in the world to do business - so that Australians have the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which they aspire.
OUR MISSION
To be Australia’s most influential and respected business leadership organisation.
OUR VALUES
Unity of purpose, commitment
to excellence, independence
in advocacy, respect for our
stakeholders and integrity in all
that we do for our members.
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YEAR IN NUMBERS
145Media Releases
934Print and Online Articles
2,134LinkedIn Followers
608Radio & Television Broadcasts
$22.8m Media Spend Equivalent
51Policy Submissions
5,474Twitter Followers
936,808Twitter Impressions
5,696Event Attendees
26,095Facebook Followers
60Networking Events
143Chamber, Industry and Business
Leaders Council Members
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MEDIA HITS
Daily T
elegra
ph
The A
ustra
lian
Austra
lian F
inanc
ial Rev
iew
ABC News
3AW VI
C
2GB NSW
6PR W
A
Sydne
y Morn
ing Hera
ld
Sky New
s Live
Radio
Nation
al
NEWS.co
m.au
The A
ge
ABC Online
2CC ACT
ABC Radio
Melbou
rne
4BC QLD
Herald
Sun
5AA SA
Adelai
de Adv
ertise
r
ABC Radio
Perth
0
50
100
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The Australian Chamber has maintained a strong media
profile and prominent position in national conversations on
issues relating to energy, tax reform, workplace relations,
vocational education and training and skilled migration.
To advance the Chamber’s public advocacy efforts the
Australian Chamber employed Duncan Bremner as Director of
Public Affairs and Advocacy and Emily Kennelly as Adviser for
Public Affairs and Advocacy in March. Since then, Australian
Chamber CEO, James Pearson has undertaken over 30
television and broadcast interviews and held six media
conferences.
Across print, broadcast, social media and other channels,
the Australian Chamber provided high profile responses
to the National Energy Guarantee, Company Tax Cuts, the
Federal Budget and the Fair Work Commission’s decision
to lift minimum wages, which all attained extensive media
attention nationally worth more than $22 million in equivalent
advertising spend.
James Pearson’s opinion pieces covered the National Energy
Guarantee, Industrial Relations, small business issues and tax
policy. Most pieces ran in Fairfax and national print and digital
publications.
Over the course of 12 months, the Australian Chamber issued
145 media releases and was mentioned in 934 print and
digital articles and over 600 radio and television broadcasts.
The Australian Chamber’s presence across social media
continues to grow. This was reflected in the increase in
engagement and new followers achieved across social media
platforms. On Twitter the Chamber has attained over 5400
followers and achieved a record number of tweet impressions
this year (936,000). The Chamber has also attained over
2,000 followers on LinkedIn, and over 26,000 on Facebook.
We continue to assertively challenge false and misleading
information that comes from adversaries - such as union
campaigns - emphasising the negative impact proposed
policies would have across business. This has included
addressing many of the “selective truths” in debates on issues
such as casual employment, penalty rates and ‘insecure
work’.
This year we also launched the Campaigns Committee
chaired by Terry Wetherall and began a column residency with
Fairfax’s regional network, which has allowed us to directly
communicate our policy agenda with regional Australia.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY
Director: Duncan Bremner Campaigns Committee Chair: Terry Wetherall, Immediate Past President, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
James Pearson addressing the press at Parliament House during the leadership
spill in August
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Summary sent to members on Budget night, and despite a
number of policy wins, we continued to express our concern
that not enough had been done to address structural budget
repair.
We will continue to call on Government to ensure government
spending is on a much more sustainable path in our Pre-
Budget 2019-20 Submission, and to reprioritise spending so
that a greater proportion of it goes towards well-considered
investment in physical and human capital.
Throughout the year we collaborated with our members in
shaping our advocacy efforts and policy messaging. Our
collaborative efforts resulted in the following submissions
made to Government, to name a few: Modernising Business
Registers; Designing a modern Australian Business Number
system; Inquiry into Impediments to Business Investment;
Research and Development Tax Incentive Amendments; and,
Draft detailed design of the NEG.
With members, we appeared before the House of
Representatives Standing Committee on Economics as part of
their inquiry on Impediments to Business Investments. We will
continue to build on our collaborative efforts next year and thank
our members for their willingness to work with us.
It has been quite an eventful year for the policy areas covered
by the Economics, Industry and Sustainability policy team.
We advocated for the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) to
encompass the recommendations made by the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in their
Electricity supply & prices inquiry fi nal report.
The newly dubbed “NEG-plus” refl ected our policy stance on
energy and looked to be a signifi cant policy win for Australian
businesses and households. We look forward to working with
the new Energy Minister Angus Taylor and Shadow Energy
Minister Mark Butler, to ensure Australia’s energy policy does
not now stagnate.
We continued our advocacy efforts to ensure Australia has
a more competitive tax system. Key advocacy efforts were
aimed at bringing forward the legislated company tax rate
cuts for businesses with a turnover up to $50million, lifting the
threshold on the instant asset write-down, making it permanent
and indexing the allowance. We also advocated to ensure the
government’s recent changes to Capital Gains Tax provisions for
small business were not retrospective or unfair and opposing
the government’s plan to restrict R&D tax incentives. This
included meeting with the Prime Minister’s and Treasurer’s
offi ce and Senate crossbenchers.
We made clear our members’ concerns about a reversal to
already legislated tax cuts for businesses with a turnover up to
$50million, and applauded the Opposition’s willingness to listen
to and respond to our concerns.
More broadly, we also called for a wholesale review of Australia’s
tax and transfer system in the Australian Chamber’s Pre-Budget
2018-19 Submission and modest spending cuts across
all government portfolios. In our Federal Budget 2018-19
ECONOMICS, INDUSTRYAND SUSTAINABILITY
Director: Adam Carr (outgoing)Economics and Industry Committee Chair: Don Rankin, President, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and IndustrySustainability Committee Chair: Mark Stone AM, Chief Executive, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
James Pearson, Maggie Kaczmarska, Adam Carr and Duncan Bremner at Budget Night Lock-Up, May 2018
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Two areas connected by poor public policy decision making
have occupied much attention this year - stalled progress with
the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to boost apprenticeships,
and the training levy on employers who access the migration
program, to fund the SAF.
Throughout the year we have argued against changes to
employer nominated skilled migration streams, including the
quantum of the Skilling Australians Fund Migration Training
Levy. Although unsuccessful in reversing the main thrust of
the changes, our persistent advocacy resulted in levy refund
provisions being included in the 2018-19 Federal Budget.
The Australian Chamber frequently engaged with the Minister
for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and the
Department of Jobs and Small Business, on the regional
sponsored migration scheme visa review and advocated for
the visa stream to retain all occupations, allowing for regional
employers to continue to access the skills they need. The
Australian Chamber also sits on the Global Talent Scheme Visa
Advisory Group and on the Ministerial Advisory Council on
Skilled Migration, and made submissions to the Department
of Home Affairs on visa simplification, Australia’s permanent
migrant intake numbers and the temporary skills shortage
visa settings.
The Australian Chamber continued to advocate with the
former Assistant Treasurer and the Australian and New
Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)
list which is long overdue. This however did not bear fruit
with the ABS postponing a decision on the review until 2021
due to labour and resource constraints. With the ANZSCO
underpinning a wide range of labour market data, this poor
decision leaves our analysis and migration programs unable
EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Director: Jenny Lambert Committee Chair: Denita Wawn, CEO, Master Builders Australia
Jenny Lambert on ABC Weekend Breakfast
to adequately reflect the major changes in the nature of jobs
and the boarder economy. We will continue our advocacy with
the new Assistant Treasurer to bring forward the timeline for
the review.
The General Council demonstrated its foresight in July 2018
when it established a population and migration working group
to develop a strong policy position, just as media and public
attention started to focus on this key area of policy.
The ailing Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector
was not a major winner in the 2018-19 Federal Budget with
the Skilling Australians Fund receiving only partial funding
certainty, and even that was only achieved through substantial
advocacy by the Australian Chamber. Although most states
and territories have signed on to the Skilling Australians Fund
National Partnership Agreement, there is a long way to go
to get projects up and running. The Australian Chamber’s
ongoing advocacy with former Assistant Minister for Skills
and Vocational Education, the Hon Karen Andrews MP and
the Department of Education and Training, reinforced the
importance of industry engagement, backed up by written
representations made to the COAG Skills Senior Officials
Network. The Australian Chamber’s voice has been heard
through media releases, a SWOT analysis, opinion pieces
and other commentary on the need to finalise the Skilling
Australian Fund projects and to invest in VET. There is still
a long way to go but the combined voices of business are
getting louder.
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The centre-piece of the Australian Chamber – Tourism’s work
for the year has been its contribution to the development
of the next long-term tourism strategy. At the instigation of
the then Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment, the
Hon. Steven Ciobo, key industry representatives, including
Australian Chamber - Tourism Chair, John Hart, set about
developing a strategy for tourism post 2020. We gathered
the views of the membership, framed a submission and
advocated member views through the Committee process.
The draft report was submitted to the Minister in June 2018.
This strategic process, through a secretariat at Austrade has
galvanised the industry behind longer term plans for tourism.
These plans have been supported by the implementation of
an advocacy plan, Tourism Works for Australia, launched in
late 2017. The launch was at a Coalition Friends of Tourism
event, hosted by the Minister, in Parliament House, Canberra.
The Tourism Works for Australia message is focussed on the
number of people employed in tourism and hospitality. The
collateral includes video and social media material highlighting
the number of people employed in tourism and hospitality by
electorate. In early 2018, the data was used for a mail out to
all Members of Parliament reminding them of their electorate’s
employment and key Australian Chamber - Tourism policy
priorities.
In the first Parliamentary sitting weeks of the new year, we
hosted a Labor Friends of Tourism Reception featuring a
panel on the Future of Vocational Education and Training in
Tourism. A lively panel discussion, leveraging the Tourism
Works message was chaired by Terri Butler MP and featured
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations,
the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Chief Human Resources
Officer of STAR Entertainment Kim Lee and the CEO of TAFE
Directors, Craig Robertson.
Among other priorities, skills and labour issues facing tourism,
capacity constraints at Sydney Airport and the necessity to
support business events bids are significant and strategic
priorities for Tourism. These were discussed at the first
Australian Chamber - Tourism Networking Luncheon for
2018, which included a panel with Sydney Airport CEO Geoff
Culbert, Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan
and Business Events Sydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith, who
addressed these issues prior to a Australian Chamber -
Tourism Committee Meeting.
The year rounded out with a strengthened membership
of Australian Chamber – Tourism, the finalisation of the
Beyond 2020 strategy, the realisation of the Tourism Works
for Australia campaign and the development of a policy
framework by members, that positions tourism to reach its
future potential.
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER - TOURISM
Director: Jenny LambertExecutive Chair: John Hart
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, TAFE Directors CEO Craig Robertson, STAR Entertainment Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Lee and Labor Friends of Tourism Convenor Terri Butler MP
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TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Director: Bryan ClarkICC Australia National Committee Chair: Peter Hood
A highlight of 2018 was the ALP accepting many components
of our trade advocacy at the launch of their trade policy at an
Australian Chamber event in Sydney.
The uptake of our policies by major policical parties is a clear
sign of our influence. Following the oppositions’s trade policy
launch, we assisted Shadow Trade and Investment Minister
Jason Clare with a series of business roundtable events in
Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Each event hosted by the
State Chamber facilitated local companies to talk with the
Shadow Minister about the ALP’s plan to help them succeed
in international markets if they win government.
We welcomed announcements from the government in the
Federal Budget including support for addressing non-tariff
trade barriers, replacing tariffs in many countries as a means
to protect local industries against international competition,
and the announcement of $50 million in support of the
development of agricultural exports along with measures to
support tourism and trade-related infrastructure.
Throughout the year, we continued to support negotiations for
free trade agreements and in particular the Business Partnership
Group for the Indonesian–Australia Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) where we initiated an idea
for a “digital Special Economic Zone” in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Our work championing trade facilitation improvements was
recognised by our invitation to present to the Australia-Pacfic
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Rules of Origin Workshop in
Vietnam and efforts in our participation in the National Committee
for Trade Facilitation and the Anti-Dumping Commissions’ Trade
Remedies Advisory Group.
The Australian Chamber, PwC Australia and the Port of Brisbane
collaborated to develop a new system to link supply chain
information through block chain technology dubbed the
‘Trade Community System’ (TCS). The Australian Chamber
and its partners hosted an industry showcases for the TCS
proof of concept in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The
project attracted significant media attention, nationally and
internationally.
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We maintained our engagement in the Indian Ocean Rim,
attending the first meeting of the South African leadership
in Durban where our efforts on Women’s Economic
Empowerment were recognised.
In September, the NSW Business Chamber hosted the 2017
World Chambers Congress, bringing the world’s chamber
network together. Chairman Peter Hood participated in
the Tokyo meeting of Regional National Committees and
CEO Forum. Member nominations to the to the ICC Court,
Nominations Panel and ICC Commission on Arbitration
(including the task force on Climate Change dispute
resolution) were renewed. After six years Bruce Collins QC
and Simon Greenburg were replaced by Peter McQueen QC
and Jo Delaney (Partner at Baker and McKenzie) to represent
our interest on the ICC Court of Arbitration. The second
Annual ICC Asia-Pacific Mediation Competition took place
in July 2018, and we begun plans for the third to be held in
Melbourne in July 2019.
Bryan Clark participated in meetings with our international
partners including the International Chamber of Commerce
(ICC) World Council meeting and went to China for the
International Certificate of Origin Council meeting. Bryan also
participated in the ICC Commission on Competition and held
meetings with business representatives at the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the UK
Brexit negotiating team.
In Sydney in March, President Jeremy Johnson led our
participation in the Prime Minister’s Association of South East
Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Summit SME Conference and
CEO Forum, with side events hosted by the Australia – ASEAN
Business Council. In the margins of these meetings Jeremy
joined Chamber of Commerce and Industry Northern Territory
CEO, Greg Bicknell and Bryan Clark to meet the Prime
Minister of Cambodia and signed an MoU with the Vietnamese
Chamber of Commerce to enhance trade between our two
countries.
Participants from the second Annual ICC Australia Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition in July 2018
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Increased public attention and State funding for mental health
‘strategies’ drove a push for employers to take on additional
responsibilities in this area. The Dreamworld incident renewed
union demands for industrial manslaughter provisions under
the model WHS Act, which saw Queensland respond in
late 2017 and the announcement of a Senate inquiry into
industrial deaths.
For National Safe Work Month the Australian Chamber
coordinated a campaign for members based on the theme
“Sharing safety knowledge and experience benefits everyone”
and produced a webinar through our Biz Better Together
initiative that explored issues SMEs face when dealing with
workers’ compensation schemes.
We started the new year helping to set the direction of work
health and safety and workers’ compensation (WHS&WC)
laws for business for the next five years, through reviews of
Safe Work Australia’s (SWA) corporate work plans and the
mid-term review of the Australian WHS Strategy 2012 -
2022. In a win for the SWA social partners - employers and
employees - we achieved long sought after changes to voting
rights. We participated in the review of all the model Codes of
Practice and four national guides and helped develop the first
National Return to Work Strategy.
In preparing for and responding to the 2018 WHS Legislation
Review, we coordinated a number of employer consultation
forums with the Independent Reviewer. Our state and territory
members held WHS&WC workshops and we hosted the
Reviewer at our March WHS&WC Committee meeting
allowing direct input into the review. From this process, we
provided 29 recommendations in our submission to the
Legislation Review.
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Associate Director: Jennifer LowCommittee Chair: Nola Watson, President, NSW Business Chamber
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We lodged a submission to the Department of Jobs and Small
Business on the “Review of WHS Regulatory Framework in
the Building and Construction Industry” and to the Senate
Education and Employment References Committee in
response to their inquiry into industrial deaths in Australia.
In late August, the Australian Chamber appeared before the
Senate Committee in Fremantle, WA where we challenged
perceptions of business accountability in relation to workplace
incidents and fatalities, and put to the committee a number
of recommendations to improve safety outcomes nationally.
We actively participated on Standards Australia committee
SF-001 overseeing the proposed adoption of international
safety standard ISO 45001. Throughout the process the
Chamber released media statements urging businesses
not to pre-emptively adopt the standard until a Australian
determination on adoption could be made. The article was
picked up by many media outlets with significant follow-up.
We were ultimately successful in securing agreement for
Standards to develop additional guidance to support SME’s
utilising the standard.
After a long 12 months, we completed the review and
overhaul of the WHS VET qualifications and relevancy of
units of competency being managed by PwC.
In late June, we launched our new small business WHS
campaign: ‘#PartandParcel’. Working with small biz; it’s in the
delivery’ at Parliament House. The campaign is backed by an
independent report “Enabling Safe and Healthy Workplaces
for Small Business” commissioned by the Australian
Chamber. This campaign has allowed us to engage with
members, SWA, federal MPs and Senators, federal,
state and territory regulators, unions and small business
commissioners. We have also had high engagement from
small business owners through social media.
Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand researcher Sujana Adapa, James Pearson, Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell AO and Jennifer Low at the launch of Enabling Safe and Healthy Workplaces for Small Business report and Part and Parcel campaign
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WORKPLACE RELATIONS
Industrial relations debate remains highly divisive and a barrier
to meaningful reform that would better support doing business
and creating jobs in Australia. Three different ministers held
the industrial relations portfolio during 2017-2018. The ACTU
continues its agressive and misleading campaign to ‘change
the rules’ in the Fair Work Act, to further favour unions and
skew the system against employers.
The Australian Chamber has actively fought to air the problems
employers experience under the Fair Work Act and to dispel
myths and misinformation designed to spread perceptions of
inequality and insecurity and assign blame to big business,
flexible work options, migrant visa workers and sensible
restrictions on industrial action.
In the Federal Parliament, the Australian Chamber and
members successfully opposed attempts to reverse penalty
rate reform in retail and hospitality Industry awards. We
represented business in number of parliamentary inquiries
including a significant inquiry into the future of work, to which
we argued strongly for policy settings that will help Australia
compete in a global marketplace and equip Australians to
remain in work in a changing world. We also continue to
influence the implementation of modern slavery reporting,
and supported measures designed to improve the efficiency
and transparency of the superannuation system and its
compliance structure.
In the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Chamber
successfully opposed the ACTU’s ‘family friendly’ working
hours claim that would have given employees a right to
unilaterally reduce their working hours. We finalised an unpaid
domestic violence leave award clause, having successfully
opposed the unions claim for 10 days paid leave in favour of
a more realistic entitlement of 5 days unpaid leave. The Fair
Director: Scott BarklambCommittee Chair: Theresa Moltoni OAM
Work Commission’s Expert Panel increased minimum award
wages by 3.5%, from 1 July 2018, following the Australian
Chamber arguging for a more measured 1.9% increase and
the ACTU seeking a 7.2% rise.
We intervened in various ‘test cases’ addressing: the
operation of the ‘better off overall test’ for approving enterprise
agreements including ‘loaded rates’ of pay, access of fixed
term employees to unfair dismissal and when car allowances
should take employees above the high income threshold for
making unfair dismissal claims.
The Chamber also participated in reviews of key parts of the
regulatory framework including greenfields agreements and
the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
The Australian Chamber continues to represent Australian
employers internationally, taking the leading role representing
employers from more than 180 countries on a proposed
International Labour Organisation (ILO) treaty on “violence
and harassment in the world at work”. The Chamber also
maintained its leading role in shaping the direction and
work of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in
the International Conference of Labour Statisticians, and
facilitated member input on important questions for safety in
the minining industry, the future of work in the health sector,
and recruitment fees in the labour hire industry.
The Chamber’s Workplace Policy Committee met four times
directly and undertook additional teleconferences. Committee
meeting guest speakers included: the Hon Craig Laundy, then
Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and
Deregulation, the Hon Brendan O’Connor, Shadow Minister
for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Furlong,
Executive Director, Tribunal Services Branch with the Fair Work
Commission and the Hon Bruce Billson.
James Pearson with Workplace Relations Director Scott Barklamb, Workplace Relations. Deputy Director Alana Matheson and CCIQ President Theresa Moltoni OAM, promoting. Australian business Interests at the global general council of employers in Geneva
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SUBMISSIONS1. Submission to the Independent
Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education (Sept 2017)
2. Visa Simplification – Transforming Australia’s Visa System (Sept 2017)
3. Improving Accountability and Member Outcomes in Superannuation (Sept 2017)
4. Fair Work Commission - Navitas English Pty Ltd v Khayam (Sept 2017)
5. Modern Slavery in Supply Chains Reporting Requirement (Oct 2017)
6. Superannuation - Trustee Arrangements (Oct 2017)
7. Greenfields Agreement Review (Oct 2017)
8. Fair Work Commission - Loaded Rates in Enterprise Agreements (Oct 2017)
9. The Digital Economy: Opening up the Conversation (Nov 2017)
10. Review of Regional Occupations List/Traffic Light Bulletin (Nov 2017)
11. Tourism Pre-budget Submission (Nov 2017)
12. Fair Work Commission - Sam Technology Engineers v Bernadou (Nov 2017)
13. The Greater Sydney Region Plan (Dec 2017)
14. Pre-Budget Submission (Dec 2017)
15. The Definition of Bulky Goods Premises (Dec 2017)
16. In-home Care National Guidelines - Child-Care (Jan 2018)
17. Transforming Cities (with EIP unit) (Jan 2018)
18. Senate Inquiry Into the Future of Work (Jan 2018)
19. Inquiry into the Trade System and the Digital Economy (Feb 2018)
20. The Australian Government’s Role in the Development of Cities (Feb 2018)
21. Managing Australia’s Migrant Intake – Permanent Migration Settings (Feb 2018)
22. Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa Settings (Feb 2018)
23. STEM Industry School Partnership (Feb 2018)
24. Training Product Reform and Unduly Short Courses (Mar 2018)
25. Annual Wage Review 2017-2018 (Mar 2018)
26. Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 (Mar 2018)
27. Clarification, simplification and modernisation of the consumer guarantee framework (Apr 2018)
28. JSCOT inquiry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (Apr 2018)
29. Inquiry into impediments to business investment (May 2018)
30. Proposed amendments to the Standard Instrument LEP (May 2018)
31. Regional inequality in Australia (May 2018)
32. Effect of Red Tape on Occupational Licensing (May 2018)
33. Increasing the integrity of the Commonwealth procurement process (Jun 2018)
34. Introducing an economy wide cash payment limit (Jun 2018)
35. Planning for the Future of Retail (Jun 2018)
36. JSCFADT Inquiry into access to free trade agreements by small and medium sized enterprises (Jun 2018)
37. Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee TPP Inquiry (Jun 2018)
38. Review of Regional Occupations List/Traffic Light Bulletin (Jun 2018)
39. Research & Development Tax Incentive Amendments (July 2018)
40. Draft Detailed Design of the National Energy Guarantee
(July 2018)
41. Women in STEM Strategy (July 2018)
42. Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Discussion Paper Response (July 2018)
43. Modern Slavery Bill (July 2018)
44. Australian Government Data Sharing and Release Legislation
(Aug 2018)
45. Designing a modern Australian Business Number system (Aug 2018)
46. Modernising Business Registers (Aug 2018)
47. Designing a modern Australian Business Number system
(Sept 2018)
48. Reforms to combat illegal phoenix activity – Draft Legislation
(Sept 2018)
49. Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2018 (Sept 2018)
50. Fair Work Commission - Family and Domestic Clause (Various)
51. Fair Work Commission - Family Friendly Working Arrangements
(Various)
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BIZ BETTER TOGETHER
Over the past twelve months the Australian Chamber’s Biz
Better Together Initiative, funded by the Department of Jobs
and Small Business through the Productivity Education
Training fund, engaged over 1760 people across 18 events,
including the successful NextGen in Business Event series.
Building on the success of the Mobile-ising Women in
Business event series, Biz Better Together developed the new
series NextGen in Business to improve workplace productivity
by looking at the impact of the growing multi-generational
workforce.
The event series attracted 730 event attendees across three
consecutive events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Attendees left armed with knowledge on how to establish a
cohesive and effective workplace, with guidance on managing
the multigenerational workplace, to lead through uncertainty,
to meet growing employee expectations and to manage
diversity and inclusions as drivers of innovation, creativity and
productivity.
Speakers at the three events included Netflix’s former chief
talent officer Patty McCord (US), Zenith USA innovation
and transformation expert Tom Goodwin, Atlassian’s Work
Futurist Dominic Price, HubSpot Australia’s culture and
engagement manager Claudia Shepherd, social researcher
and demographer Claire Madden, Ben Gould from Workplace
by Facebook and HR experts from Envato, Canva, Australia
Post and ANZ.
The NextGen in Business events were underpinned by a
strong content series. Over 40 pieces of video and written
content were produced and consumed by 417,000 people
across a range of media platforms, including the Australian
Financial Review, Business Insider Australia, Smart Company,
and amplified on social media.
Biz Better Together continued the successful partnership with
digital business news publisher SmartCompany by producing
a series of events and webinars covering Work Health and
Safety, workers compensation, workplace diversity and
management and leadership.
The Productivity Education Training Fund also assisted 36
Australian Chamber staff and members to access professional
development opportunities such as attending the 2017
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers
congress and the Centre for Workplace Leaderships’ Future
of Work Conference.
June 2018 saw the conclusion of the funding arrangement
with the Department of Jobs and Small Business. Across
the six-year funding period the Australian Chamber provided
110,000 people with 80 pieces of produced content in
media outlets and blogs promoted on social media, and
delivered 345 events with members and partners throughout
Australia, attracting 15,069 attendees.
Senior Manager: Sarah McGregor
Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price in Q&A with demographer and Gen Z expert Claire Madden
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‘Hello Gen Z’ author Claire Madden chatting with NextGen in Business delegates
Former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord (US) delivering her keynote address
NextGen in Business Sydney delegates interacting
Dom Price, Atlassian Work Futurist delivering his keynote address
Zenith Media USA’s transformation guru Tom Goodwin in conversation with Claire Madden
Workforce ReThinkers Panel: Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price, Envato HR Manager Amber Johnson, Ben Gould from Workplace by Facebook, Canva’s Head of People Zach Kitschke and Australia Post’s Head of HR Lauren Trethowan
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2017 NATIONAL EXPORT AWARDS
The Australian Chamber celebrated export success at the
54th Australian Export Awards in Canberra in December
2017.
Co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber, the
program recognises and honours Australian companies
engaged in international business, that have achieved
sustainable growth through innovation and commitment.
The Awards measure businesses against their peers based
on the strength of their international growth, marketing and
financial strategies.
Hosted by the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, the then Minister for
Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Awards covered 12
industry categories recognising excellence in fields including
agribusiness, education, health, environmental and creative
industries and included special categories for small and
regional business.
Technology company NEC Australia, was named ‘Exporter
of the Year’. Operating in Australia for over 50 years, NEC
Australia has invested more than $200 million in research and
development in recent years, providing 1,800 Australian’s
jobs in the ICT Industry. It has established an Innovation Centre
in Melbourne, a Global Security Intelligence Centre in Adelaide
and has created 180 new jobs in regional NSW alone.
Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson presented the
award for Environmental Solutions to SRA, an information
technology company from the Northern Territory. SRA assists
clients to meet environment and sustainability goals by
improving resource sector productivity, meeting compliance
requirements and managing community welfare. With its
head office in Darwin and branches throughout Australia and
Singapore, the company services North America, Sub Sahara
Africa, South East Asia and Oceania and increased its exports
by 127 per cent last financial year.
James Pearson presenting the Environmental Solutions Award to NT exporter SRA Information Technology
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2018 BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT
A RECORD NUMBER OF AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERS, POLITICIANS, BUSINESS LEADERS, POLICY MAKERS, REGULATORS AND INFLUENCERS GATHERED AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE IN CANBERRA ON 18 AND 19 SEPTEMBER TO DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES FACING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND HOW TO CAN TACKLE THEM TOGETHER.
Opened by Energy Minister the Hon Angus Taylor MP, the
Summit explored issues ranging from the energy crisis,
education, skills and workplace relations to the role business
can play in building trust and influence in the public debate.
Addresses were provided by Trade, Tourism and Investment
Minister Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Shadow
Innovation Minister Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Small Business
Minister Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Workplace Relations
Minister the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP and Deloitte Access
Economics Partner Chris Richardson.
Sponsored by Google the Summit also heard from small
businesses who are making the most of the internet to grow
their business. Owners and directors of Dogue Retail Group,
Life Interiors and Erilan Mastectomy Collection spoke about
how they have improved their digital skills using Google’s free
online learning platform, Digital Garage. They were joined by
Google’s Head of Business Marketing Richard Flanagan and
small business champion and TV personality David Koch who
moderated the discussion.
Over 30 politicians joined 170 guests of the Australian
Chamber at the opening cocktail reception.
Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP and Australian Chamber President Jeremy Johnson
Australian Chamber President Jeremy Johnson, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash and Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson
Google’s Head of Business Marketing Richard Flanagan, Owner/Manager of Erilan Mastectomy Collection Jill Tucker, Life Interiors’ Co-founder & CEO Basil Karam and Dogue Retail Group’s Owner/Director Margaret Hennessy with TV personality David Koch who moderated the discussion on digital skills
Deloitte Access Economics Partner Chris Richardson delivering the Luncheon Address
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Energy Panel: Energy Minister the Hon Angus Taylor MP, Australian Energy Regulator Chair Paula Conboy, Shadow Energy Minister the Hon Mark Butler MP, ACCC Chair Rod Sims and Victorian Chamber CEO Mark Stone AM
VET Skill Panel: Shadow Skills Minister Senator the Hon Doug Cameron, Restaurant & Catering Executive Director John Hart, the Mitchell Institute’s Professor Peter Noonan and Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn
Campaigns Panel: PremierState Chairman Michael Photios, Sue Cato of Cato & Clegg, GetUp! Chair Dr Phil Ireland GAICD, Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson and Willard Director Andrew Plumley
Reforms Panel: Senator Rex Patrick, Senator David Leyonhjelm, Senator Cory Bernardi, Senator Pauline Hanson and Victorian Chamber President Don Rankin
Workplace Relations Panel: Shadow Workplace Relations Minister the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, IRIQ Law Managing Director Theresa Moltoni OAM, ACTU Policy Director Tom Roberts, Former BCA President and prominent businessman Tony Shepherd AO and Australian Business Lawyers CEO and Director Nigel Ward
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2017 BUSINESS LEADERS ANNUAL DINNER
Treasurer Scott Morrison joined 300 guests at the Australian Chamber Business Leaders Annual Dinner at the National Gallery of Australia
in Canberra in November. The event was sponsored by MYOB, CareSuper, the Australian Made Campaign and 3 Degrees Marketing.
James Boyce, Medicines Australia, Josh Bihary, Pfizer and Jon Dart, Commonwealth Bank
Then Treasurer the Hon Scott Morrison MP with then Australian Chamber President Terry Wetherall
James Pearson with Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSCThen Treasurer the Hon Scott Morrison MP with then Australian Chamber Director Theresa Moltoni OAM and MYOB CEO Tim Reed
Pharmacy Guild President George Tambassis with then Small Business Minister the Hon Michael McCormack MP
Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Mark Stone AM, then Australian Chamber Deputy President Jeremy Johnson, Australian Chamber Director Nola Watson and then Australian Chamber Director Professor Trevor Cairney OAM
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
Guests listening to then Treasurer the Hon Scott Morrison MP
The Hon Senator Bridget McKenzie with then Australian Chamber Deputy President Jeremy Johnson
Former Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia CEO Deidre Willmott with Senator Slade Brockman Senator David Leyonhjelm with CareSuper CEO Julie Lander
Then Treasurer the Hon Scott Morrison MP with Melina Morrison, CEO, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
October 30 Boardroom Luncheon with the Hon Jason Clare MP, Shadow Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment; Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Sydney.
Natalie Cope, Australia China Business Council (NSW), the Hon Warwick Smith AM, Australia China Council, the Hon Jason Clare MP, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, Craig Emerson Economics and Bryan Clark, Australian Chamber
October 20 Luncheon with the Hon Christian Porter MP, then
Minister for Social Services, hosted by MinterEllison.
November 8 Reception and Energy Market discussion with Rod Sims, Chairman, ACCC, hosted by ACIL Allen Consulting in Sydney.
Adam Carr, Australian Chamber, Andrew Macaulay, Printing Industries Association of Australia, Stephen Ferguson, Australian Hotels Association, Dominique Lamb, National Retail Association and Rod Sims, ACCC
November 13 Greek Investment Roadshow, Forum and Luncheon in conjunction with Enterprise Greece and the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, hosted by NAB.
The Hon David Elliott MP, NSW Minister, Prof Dimitri Papadimitriou, Minister of Economy & Development of Greece and Dr Stavros Kyrimis, Consul-General of Greece in Sydney
BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL EVENTS
November 14 Luncheon with the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition, sponsored by First State Super.
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
November 15 Book Reception with Warren Mundine AO and Ray Hadley OAM, to mark the release of the book “Warren Mundine in Black and White” hosted by City Tattersalls Club, Sydney.
Ray Hadley OAM, Gillian Stapleton, Direct Selling Australia and Warren Mundine AO
November 27 Book Reception with Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC to mark the release of his book “Incorrigible Optimist” hosted by VACC in Melbourne.
November 22 - Small Business Roundtable Lunch with then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and then Minister for Small Business at Parliament House
December 13 Christmas Breakfast with Senator the Hon Marise Payne, then Minister for Defence, hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Sydney.
Nikki Brouwers, Interact Injury Management and Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC
Stephen Cartwright, NSW Business Chamber, Megan Motto, Consult Australia, then Australian Chamber President Terry Wetherall, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and James Pearson, Australian Chamber.
Senator the Hon Marise Payne and James Pearson, Australian Chamber
December 8 Christmas Luncheon with the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, then Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Melbourne.
The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, James Pearson, Australian Chamber and Wendy Machin, COBA
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
February 23 Luncheon with the Hon Craig Laundy MP, then Minister for Small and Family Business, and Workplace and Deregulation hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Sydney.
March 6 Highlights from the 2018 Asia Pacific Legal Frontiers Seminar, hosted in conjunction with Primerus and Tricor Dormers, at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney.
The Hon Andrew Robb AO, Former Federal Minister for Trade and Investment, in Q&A with Zoe McKenzie, Trade & Investment Advisory.
Panel facilitated by Tony Dormer, Tricor Dormers with the Hon Ed Husic MP, Murray Thornhill, HHG Legal Group and Nola Watson, President, NSW Business Chamber
March 20 Reception with then Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman, hosted by Lander & Rogers, Melbourne.
Charles Cameron, RCSA, Natalie James then Fair Work Ombudsman, Leyla Yilmaz, VACC and Keith Ryan, HIA
A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
Natalie James then Fair Work Ombudsman and Stephen Ferguson, Australian Hotel Association
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
March 23 Networking Lunch with the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Federal Shadow Treasurer to mark the release of the book “Fair Share” by Professor Stephen Bell & Michael Keating AC, hosted by KPMG, Sydney.
April 5 Networking lunch and TAFE skills announcement with the Hon John Barilaro MP, Deputy Premier of NSW, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Small Business and Skills hosted by the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney
March 21 Luncheon with the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, then Minister for the Environment and Energy, hosted by PwC, Sydney.
Panel discussion with Stephen Cartwright, NSW Business Chamber, Elizabeth McIntyre, Think Brick Australia and the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP
Adam Carr, Australian Chamber with the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Michael Keating AC and Professor Stephen Bell
Sue Bussell AM, KPMG, and the Hon Chris Bowen MP
Philippa Kelly, Large Format Retail Association and the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP
Jenny Lambert, Australian Chamber, Megan Aitken, TAFE NSW Digital, the Hon John Barilaro MP
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April 23 Morning tea and roundtable with the Hon Alex Hawke MP, then Assistant Minister for Home Affairs in Sydney.
Russell Zimmerman, Australian Retailers Association with the Hon Alex Hawke MP
April 30 Australian Chamber Tourism Lunch with Geoff Culbert, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Airport hosted by City Tattersalls Club in Sydney.
May 11 Federal Budget Briefing Luncheon with the Hon David Coleman MP, then Assistant Minister for Finance hosted by MinterEllison in Sydney.
John Hart, Australian Chamber –Tourism, John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia, Lyn Lewis-Smith, BESydney and Geoff Culbert, Sydney Airport.
Chris Richardson, Deloitte Access Economics, Nicole Green, MinterEllison and the Hon David Coleman MP
A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP with Stephen Conry, JLL
April 18 Reception with the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury, Shadow Assistant Minister for an Australian Head of State hosted by Hall & Wilcox in Sydney.
John Mangos and Katia Gkikiza, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia
April 16 Welcome Reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras and the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Katia Gkikiza hosted by Clayton Utz in Sydney.
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
May 15 Major Luncheon with the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Prime Minister, held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney sponsored by Telstra.
James Pearson, Australian Chamber, the Hon Michelle Landry MP, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, and Kieran Gilbert, Sky News
May 17 Federal Budget Reply Reception with Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Shadow Minister for Finance hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Sydney.
Elizabeth McIntyre, Think Brick Australia, Dr Jim Chalmers MP and Robert Regan, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
May 25 Breakfast with the Hon Christian Porter MP, Attorney-General hosted by Clayton Utz in Sydney.
The Hon Christian Porter MP with Ian Burgess, Medical Technology Association of Australia
June 13 Reception with Senator Tim Storer, Independent Senator for South Australia hosted by KPMG in Sydney.
Senator Tim Storer with Nigel McBride, Business SA
June 12 Reception with Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations hosted by Clayton Utz in Sydney.
Amanda Mansini, Australian Mines and Metals Association and the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP
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August 6 Reception to mark the release of Professor the Hon Bob Carr’s book “Run for Your Life” at the City Tattersalls Club, Sydney.
Professor the Hon Bob Carr with Jodi McKay MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight
A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
August 2 Reception with the Hon Craig Laundy MP, then Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation at MYOB, Melbourne.
Australian Chamber’s James Pearson, Tim Reed, MYOB, the Hon Craig Laundy MP and Samantha Reed, Chemistry Australia
July 31 Luncheon with the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, then Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities at JLL, Brisbane.
The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Megan Motto, Consult Australia and Jeremy Johnson, Australian Chamber
July 17 Reception with Stephen McBurney, Commissioner, Australian Building and Construction Commission at Lander & Rogers, Melbourne.
Steve Knott AM, AMMA, Scott Barklamb Australian Chamber, Denita Wawn, Master Builders, ABCC Commissioner Stephen McBurney, Suresh Manickam, NECA, Derek Humphery-Smith, Lander & Rogers
June 14 Reception and Book Launch, ‘Why Australia Slept’ by the Hon Dr Peter Hendy hosted by Lander & Rogers in Melbourne.
Mark Stone AM, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jeremy Johnson, Australian Chamber, Professor Judith Sloan, the Hon Dr Peter Hendy and the Hon Peter Costello AC
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
September 27 Breakfast with Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Nick Pilavidis, Australian Institute of Credit Management with Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC
August 29 Lunch with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, marking National Skills Week. Hosted by William Blue Dining | Laureate Australia.
NSW Business Chamber’s Stephen Cartwright with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
August 15 Luncheon to launch an Australian Chamber and Heart Foundation joint initiative ‘Business Women Champions of the Heart’, with Patron Lucy Turnbull AO, at MinterEllison, Sydney.
Sally Sinclair, National Employment Services Association, Joyce Di Mascio, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, Hon Patricia Forsythe, Sydney Business Chamber, Melina Morrison, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, Lucy Turnbull AO, Megan Motto, Consult Australia (back), Gill Stapleton, Direct Selling Australia, Nola Watson, NSW Business Chamber (back), Elizabeth McIntyre, Think Brick Australia, Samantha Read, Chemistry Australia, Mobinah Ahmad, Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
2018 BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Dr Geoff Newcombe AM with the Hon Julie Bishop MP
Stephen Porges, Australian Alliance for Data Leadership, Jenny Muir, Primary Communication, Senator Brian Burston, Aisling Finch, Google Australia and New Zealand and Joe Murphy, Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors
Australian Chamber President Jeremy Johnson, Senator Pauline Hanson and Australian Chamber Deputy President Ray Sputore
John Dunn, Egg Farmers of Australia with Rod Sims, ACCC
The Hon Warren Entsch MP and Joyce DiMascio, Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia
Archie Petsas, Southern Cross Group showing support for his local small businesses
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A U S T R A L I A N C H A M B E R A N N U A L R E P O R T A N D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W 2 0 1 8
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP with Christopher Campbell, Academies Australasia
Philippa Kelly, Large Format Retail Association with Chris Rodwell, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia
Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham addressing cocktail reception guests
The Hon David Coleman MP with Chris Downy, The Star Entertainment Group
Alexander Macaulay, Senator Tim Storer and Andrew Macaulay, Printing Industries Association of Australia
Senator the Hon Kim Carr addressing cocktail reception guests
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